What can I cover my trailer walls with so that I can paint my home? Where can I find luan?

Question

My boyfriend and I live in a double wide trailer. For some time now we've been wanting to paint the walls, but we don't want to go over the texturized mess that's originally there. I read somewhere that you can cover the walls with luan. Where can I find it? I've searched some store websites, but can't seem to find it. Is luan the most cost efficient way to go? We'd have a rather large area to cover and we're on a budget. Also, would covering the walls that way be do-it-yourself? Or would we be better off hiring someone to do that?

Answer 1

Most hardware stores stock luan plywood.  Generally it will run about 6-10$ a sheet, and comes finished and unfinished.  You should be able to find lumber yards in your area and you can give them a call to see what they have available.  One other option you may consider is plaster over the texture if it's rough and stable enough to hold the weight of the plaster, and then a good thick latex primer (white) coat, before using your color choice of paint.  Plaster can be good if your walls aren't quite square, or you have deformitys in your walls from settling.  Synthetic spackle is a little more expensive than plaster, but it tends to work a little better over top coats and wall texture.  Hope that helps some.  

Answer 2

You don't need to cover the walls with anything. Just get some high quality, high adhesive primer and prime the walls.

If you want a really nice job, remove the batten strips, mud, tape and sand the seams, and then prime and paint.

Answer 3

You can find louan at hardware stores.

I don' tknow how bad your walls really are, but I would try a wallpaper that is made to be painted over. It's white, and you can get it in a smooth finish to look like regular drywall, or you can get designs on it. Ask for it at a wallpaper store and they should have it. I'd try that in 1 room or on 1 wall or whatever, hang it, paint it, then see how it looks. That should be cheaper and easier than louan. I did that in a bedroom I have that had horrible walls, and it looks just like new drywall.